Need help looking for a emerald cut diamond!

[Unregistered]

Hi PS...

Long time lurker, first time poster!

I''m looking for a EC diamond that my measly budget will allow... I unfortunately can''t spend more than $1200 on the diamond and with some of the other posts around, that does seem very sad indeed.

My girlfriend does have rather small and slender fingers and I am supposing that helps! At least the smaller rock that I can afford wouldn''t look ridiculously small.

I''d be looking at a pave setting, hoping the sidestones can bring some sparkle to the EC centre stone. Something like the Excel Tiffany replica (6 pronged one). Since I do live in Canada, it would probably be the best idea if I could get the stone and setting from the same vendor.

I''m having tremendous difficulty finding the right diamond and know not what to look for beyond what''s mentioned in the knowledge/education portion of this site... can any PSers help out this poor student?

Thank you all so much in advanced!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/11/2010 4:36:55 PM
Author:Unregistered
Hi PS...

Long time lurker, first time poster!

I'm looking for a EC diamond that my measly budget will allow... I unfortunately can't spend more than $1200 on the diamond and with some of the other posts around, that does seem very sad indeed.

My girlfriend does have rather small and slender fingers and I am supposing that helps! At least the smaller rock that I can afford wouldn't look ridiculously small.

I'd be looking at a pave setting, hoping the sidestones can bring some sparkle to the EC centre stone. Something like the Excel Tiffany replica (6 pronged one). Since I do live in Canada, it would probably be the best idea if I could get the stone and setting from the same vendor.

I'm having tremendous difficulty finding the right diamond and know not what to look for beyond what's mentioned in the knowledge/education portion of this site... can any PSers help out this poor student?

Thank you all so much in advanced!

Hi Unregistered and welcome!

There is no need to apologize for your budget and we will do our very best to help you! Is the $1200 for the diamond only or does it need to include the setting? If you get a well cut EC then it will be a lively and pretty stone which won't need small accent diamonds necessarily which could help the budget.

With EC's they can show inclusions more easily than rounds for example so I would suggest looking at VS2 clarity or above. Colour can be down to personal preference, see if you can view some EC's in person ( GIA graded) to see where your preferences lie, I would suggest initially looking at G or H colour to help the budget.

For cut, you can't judge an EC by numbers, images are essential. Having said that, here are some numbers from Karl K our resident step cut expert that you can use as a guideline.

depth 70% or less
table 65% or less
crown height 10% or more

But these are again guidelines and if you have images and the stone doesn't quite match up to the above and you like the diamond, then that is the main thing. What shape EC are you looking for, rectangular or more of a square?

I would suggest working with a vendor that can supply images such as ASET in order to make an informed choice, vendors you could consider are listed below.

www.jamesallen.com

www.goodoldgold.com

www.whiteflash.com

www.engagementringsdirect.com

www.exceldiamonds.com

 

[Lorelei]

I just had a look for you and found this one, although the table is larger than the depth ( normally the reverse can be preferred) it has definite potential from the photo. Ask James Allen if they can provide an ASET image if you are interested and if their Sarin scanner is now working, if they could scan the diamond to provide the crown height.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS2-Premium-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1106718.asp

 

[jgny]

You might also want to consider going the non traditional route and getting a band of emerald cut diamonds as the engagement ring. Something like this.

9 Stone Emerald Cut Ring

Sorry for posting an ebay auction but it was the first one I found that showed what I was thinking.

 

[Unregistered]

Thank you Lorelei!

$1200 would be for the diamond only. Looking to spend about $600-800 on the setting.

I was looking at getting a Very good or Ideal cut, VS2 minimum and a minimum of a G. I''ve seen some D, E, F and couldn''t tell a difference and don''t think I''d like to pay more for those.

That James Allen one does look good! I definitely will ask for the ASET and Sarin. Would a 0.5 look noticeably smaller than say a 0.6 or is that dependent on the thickness of the rock?

Thanks again!

Jgny, my girlfriend and I are more of the traditional type! That one does look nice but not quite right... Thanks though!

 

[marcy]

Hi Unregistered. I like the diamond Lorelei found at JA. I have a .55 ct EC and wear it as a solitaire on my right hand and like the size just fine. I think the .50 ct would look great with the pave setting and side stones would look great with an EC. There is an EC thread you can look through as well for ideas. The link is here.

 

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the reassurance Marcyc! I was wondering if you could possibly post a picture of your .55 ct EC ring on your hand? It''d be nice to get a rough estimate on the actual size! We''ve been to some B&M stores but over here the selection of rings + EC diamonds is rather ghastly.

Lorelei, what do you think of this one? http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1201214.asp

Thanks so much guys, definitely helping me out here... much appreciated!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/12/2010 5:10:45 AM
Author: Unregistered
Thanks for the reassurance Marcyc! I was wondering if you could possibly post a picture of your .55 ct EC ring on your hand? It'd be nice to get a rough estimate on the actual size! We've been to some B&M stores but over here the selection of rings + EC diamonds is rather ghastly.

Lorelei, what do you think of this one? http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1201214.asp

Thanks so much guys, definitely helping me out here... much appreciated!

You are welcome!

I prefer the diamond I found to be honest, the one above is showing a distinct dark ring around the table, it might not be as visible in everyday wearing conditions, ask one of the gemologists to check it out for obstruction if you are interested and request an ASET image and the crown height as above.

 

[Unregistered]

Lorelei,

I''ve got ASET and Sarin for the rock that you found!

How does it look, anyone?

 

[Unregistered]

And here''s the Sarin:

 

[Unregistered]

Anyone want to help me look at the ASET/Sarin?

 

[beezygal]

I''m also in Canada.
My bf and I recently purchased a diamond from Canadian Diamonds Wholesale. They also sell non-Canadian diamonds. Where in Canada do you live in? I''m in Vancouver and they have an office here, so we get to look at the diamond in person. They also design rings. We''re very happy with our diamond for an amazing price. Ppl there are very friendly and helpful./ I just thought you might be interested in looking at the site since it''s also from Canada. You don''t need to pay for custom or duty. They have 30 days return policy too.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/13/2010 8:24:04 PM
Author: Unregistered
Lorelei,

I''ve got ASET and Sarin for the rock that you found!

How does it look, anyone?

Hi Unregistered

Ask JA if it looks dark in normal viewing distances, there appears to be some obstruction around the table area, what we are concerned with is if it would look dark when worn in a ring. The ASET isn''t showing much red which is desirable, the dominant colour is green....The ASET does not look as good as I had hoped, what I would do is discuss the diamond with one of the gemologists to see what they advise as I couldn''t find anything else really for the budget, see what they advise.

 

[Unregistered]

Thanks for your opinion Lorelei!

I did ask for the ASET of the 0.61 diamond that I had found where you commented on a dark ring (which I could see too!) I''ve attached it here. According to Darin at JA:

"According to my gemologist, 0.61 E VS2 is very dark in the center and does not appear very brilliant. Which is the complete opposite of how I would have interpreted all of the red in the center. It goes to show you that ASET images are not as accurate as a trained eye. The diamond does, however, face larger than the other diamond. If you are interested in size over quality, this is the one.

The 0.50ct D VS2 is a much nicer make than the 0.61ct. The diamond is brilliant, white and eye-clean. This is my gemologist''s pick as the more classically shaped and beautiful of the two."

Whilst I''d hate to go off someone''s words without being able to see the diamond myself, the actual magnified photos of the 0.50 ct do look very nice...

Oh I don''t know what to do now! Still awaiting ASET/IS pictures from a candidate from Excel diamonds. (0.59 F VS2, Depth 63, Table 66)

 

[Unregistered]

The photo would be nice:

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/14/2010 10:00:03 AM
Author: Unregistered
Thanks for your opinion Lorelei!

I did ask for the ASET of the 0.61 diamond that I had found where you commented on a dark ring (which I could see too!) I've attached it here. According to Darin at JA:

'According to my gemologist, 0.61 E VS2 is very dark in the center and does not appear very brilliant. Which is the complete opposite of how I would have interpreted all of the red in the center. It goes to show you that ASET images are not as accurate as a trained eye. The diamond does, however, face larger than the other diamond. If you are interested in size over quality, this is the one.

The 0.50ct D VS2 is a much nicer make than the 0.61ct. The diamond is brilliant, white and eye-clean. This is my gemologist's pick as the more classically shaped and beautiful of the two.'

Whilst I'd hate to go off someone's words without being able to see the diamond myself, the actual magnified photos of the 0.50 ct do look very nice...

Oh I don't know what to do now! Still awaiting ASET/IS pictures from a candidate from Excel diamonds. (0.59 F VS2, Depth 63, Table 66)

You are welcome!

Lets keep the D VS in mind as the gemologist thinks it could be suitable, from the photo it has definite potential even though the ASET is not brilliant, lets see what Excel comes up with then we can go from there. JA do have an excellent return policy so you could always have the stone sent to you in a ring holder if you didn't want to go ahead and have it set to see what you think, then if you like it send it back and have it set, but I do believe the return policy applies even on set stones of 30 days.

 

[Unregistered]

Date: 4/14/2010 11:31:36 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/14/2010 10:00:03 AM
Author: Unregistered
Thanks for your opinion Lorelei!

I did ask for the ASET of the 0.61 diamond that I had found where you commented on a dark ring (which I could see too!) I''ve attached it here. According to Darin at JA:

''According to my gemologist, 0.61 E VS2 is very dark in the center and does not appear very brilliant. Which is the complete opposite of how I would have interpreted all of the red in the center. It goes to show you that ASET images are not as accurate as a trained eye. The diamond does, however, face larger than the other diamond. If you are interested in size over quality, this is the one.

The 0.50ct D VS2 is a much nicer make than the 0.61ct. The diamond is brilliant, white and eye-clean. This is my gemologist''s pick as the more classically shaped and beautiful of the two.''

Whilst I''d hate to go off someone''s words without being able to see the diamond myself, the actual magnified photos of the 0.50 ct do look very nice...

Oh I don''t know what to do now! Still awaiting ASET/IS pictures from a candidate from Excel diamonds. (0.59 F VS2, Depth 63, Table 66)

You are welcome!

Lets keep the D VS in mind as the gemologist thinks it could be suitable, from the photo it has definite potential even though the ASET is not brilliant, lets see what Excel comes up with then we can go from there. JA do have an excellent return policy so you could always have the stone sent to you in a ring holder if you didn''t want to go ahead and have it set to see what you think, then if you like it send it back and have it set, but I do believe the return policy applies even on set stones of 30 days.

Lorelei,

Darin recommended this or this one for me to take a look at. What do you think of the photos so far and the information available?

I''ve asked him to possibly bring them in to take a look at and compare them in person...

Thanks so much again!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/14/2010 12:25:29 PM
Author: Unregistered

Date: 4/14/2010 11:31:36 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/14/2010 10:00:03 AM
Author: Unregistered
Thanks for your opinion Lorelei!

I did ask for the ASET of the 0.61 diamond that I had found where you commented on a dark ring (which I could see too!) I''ve attached it here. According to Darin at JA:

''According to my gemologist, 0.61 E VS2 is very dark in the center and does not appear very brilliant. Which is the complete opposite of how I would have interpreted all of the red in the center. It goes to show you that ASET images are not as accurate as a trained eye. The diamond does, however, face larger than the other diamond. If you are interested in size over quality, this is the one.

The 0.50ct D VS2 is a much nicer make than the 0.61ct. The diamond is brilliant, white and eye-clean. This is my gemologist''s pick as the more classically shaped and beautiful of the two.''

Whilst I''d hate to go off someone''s words without being able to see the diamond myself, the actual magnified photos of the 0.50 ct do look very nice...

Oh I don''t know what to do now! Still awaiting ASET/IS pictures from a candidate from Excel diamonds. (0.59 F VS2, Depth 63, Table 66)

You are welcome!

Lets keep the D VS in mind as the gemologist thinks it could be suitable, from the photo it has definite potential even though the ASET is not brilliant, lets see what Excel comes up with then we can go from there. JA do have an excellent return policy so you could always have the stone sent to you in a ring holder if you didn''t want to go ahead and have it set to see what you think, then if you like it send it back and have it set, but I do believe the return policy applies even on set stones of 30 days.

Lorelei,

Darin recommended this or this one for me to take a look at. What do you think of the photos so far and the information available?

I''ve asked him to possibly bring them in to take a look at and compare them in person...

Thanks so much again!

They both have potential, I like the look of the patterning of the first one but it does look a little dark, lets see what the ASET indicates and what Darin or one of the gemologists think when they call them in.

 

[JulieN]

The .62 looks pretty good, I think.

 

[Unregistered]

Lorelei or any PS veterans;

What does eveyone think of this one?

 

[marcy]

Date: 4/12/2010 5:10:45 AM
Author: Unregistered
Thanks for the reassurance Marcyc! I was wondering if you could possibly post a picture of your .55 ct EC ring on your hand? It''d be nice to get a rough estimate on the actual size! We''ve been to some B&M stores but over here the selection of rings + EC diamonds is rather ghastly.

I just saw this. Here is the ring on my hand. I wear a size 6. The ones in the B&M here were ghastly too. Lifeless!

 

[Unregistered]

Date: 4/14/2010 9:51:58 PM
Author: marcyc

Date: 4/12/2010 5:10:45 AM

Author: Unregistered

Thanks for the reassurance Marcyc! I was wondering if you could possibly post a picture of your .55 ct EC ring on your hand? It''d be nice to get a rough estimate on the actual size! We''ve been to some B&M stores but over here the selection of rings + EC diamonds is rather ghastly.

I just saw this. Here is the ring on my hand. I wear a size 6. The ones in the B&M here were ghastly too. Lifeless!

Your ring looks absolutely wonderful! It''s very beautiful indeed. That actually did assure me of what I would like in my ring, thank you for that!

Lorelei, I''ve asked Judah about the rather visible black speck on the 10X (since it does have to be eye clean!). But apart from that, how does this diamond look?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/15/2010 5:02:43 AM
Author: Unregistered

Date: 4/14/2010 9:51:58 PM
Author: marcyc

Date: 4/12/2010 5:10:45 AM

Author: Unregistered

Thanks for the reassurance Marcyc! I was wondering if you could possibly post a picture of your .55 ct EC ring on your hand? It''d be nice to get a rough estimate on the actual size! We''ve been to some B&M stores but over here the selection of rings + EC diamonds is rather ghastly.

I just saw this. Here is the ring on my hand. I wear a size 6. The ones in the B&M here were ghastly too. Lifeless!

Your ring looks absolutely wonderful! It''s very beautiful indeed. That actually did assure me of what I would like in my ring, thank you for that!

Lorelei, I''ve asked Judah about the rather visible black speck on the 10X (since it does have to be eye clean!). But apart from that, how does this diamond look?

I just had a thought, if you can''t find an EC you like, have you considered other shapes such as cushions?

 

[Unregistered]

Date: 4/15/2010 5:45:04 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/15/2010 5:02:43 AM

Author: Unregistered

Date: 4/14/2010 9:51:58 PM

Author: marcyc

Date: 4/12/2010 5:10:45 AM


Author: Unregistered


Thanks for the reassurance Marcyc! I was wondering if you could possibly post a picture of your .55 ct EC ring on your hand? It''d be nice to get a rough estimate on the actual size! We''ve been to some B&M stores but over here the selection of rings + EC diamonds is rather ghastly.

I just saw this. Here is the ring on my hand. I wear a size 6. The ones in the B&M here were ghastly too. Lifeless!

Your ring looks absolutely wonderful! It''s very beautiful indeed. That actually did assure me of what I would like in my ring, thank you for that!


Lorelei, I''ve asked Judah about the rather visible black speck on the 10X (since it does have to be eye clean!). But apart from that, how does this diamond look?

I just had a thought, if you can''t find an EC you like, have you considered other shapes such as cushions?

Girlfriend absolutely loves the EC though... I''m a big fan of cushions (as I agree with her on the "standardness" of RBs), but she has definitely shown me the understated elegance and charm of a beautiful, clean EC...

 

[Unregistered]

Lorelei,

I am having trouble interpreting the ASET/Ideascope image here: http://www.exceldiamonds.com/Loose_Emerald_Cut_Diamond-166/Loose_Emerald_Cut_0.59_Carat_F_Color_VS2_Clarity_diamond-470975.html

With the large amounts of blue in the ASET, is that a good thing? Or the large amounts of black in the Idealscope image... The reds certainly seem dark enough that it''s a good sign, but the black just confuses me.

 

[marcy]

I think your girl friend would be happy with that size of EC. Once you add a band with it she''d have nice coverage on her finger. My diamond is .55 ct. If you want me to take a few more pictures and add a band with it I can try that for you. Let me know.

 

[Unregistered]

So it''s come down to 3 candidate diamonds... Hope everyone can help me decide!!

First one:

0.59 F VS2, 5.71 x 4.32 x 2.72. Depth 63 and Table of 66.

ASET:

 

[Unregistered]

2nd Diamond:

Seen here: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS2-Premium-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1106718.asp

0.5 D VS2, 4.13*5.29*2.56, Depth 62, Table 69.

Described by Darin at JA as "The diamond is brilliant, white and eye-clean."

ASET:

 

[Unregistered]

Lastly but not least...

Can be seen at this link

0.59 E VS1

Described as "The diamond faces well and faces white. It is a shorter stone, but it is adorable."

ASET: